Extra Credit Books

EXTRA CREDIT BOOKS

(If you score better than an 80% on the scan-tron test (you take whenever you are done with the novel), you get between 32 and up to 40 points ADDED to your grade. This is not an essay based opportunity. You may try for two books per semester—possible 80 pts.

3. Read the book (& enjoy it) and take notes so that you’ll do well on the test

4. When done reading, make an appointment with Mrs. Bartleson to take the extra credit scan-tron test or written test on the book (Deadline? Last week of semester) You can take tests after school or during a silent homework/study day of ours, etc.

The Once and Future King- (By T.H. White) The incredibly fascinating story of the legendary King Arthur, Merlin the wizard, Queen Gwenevere and Lancelot (& a love triangle). It’s filled with humor, tragedy, passion & magic. A must for college-bound seniors! (setting – medieval England)

Charms for the Easy Life- (By K. Gibbons) An incredibly well-told story of the lives of three generations of women. You'll love the personalities of the grandmother, a small town, self-taught doctor; her rather "man-focused" daughter; and the grand-daughter who is a practical, humorous senior in high school…. A really nice story – positive and worthwhile! (no sex, swearing) setting – 1940’s

Like Water for Chocolate – (By L. Esquivel) It's the story of forbidden love set in old Mexico told with "magic realism" and incredible writing. The book is separated into sections with the "months" of the year, including a recipe which is related to that section. Setting – early 1900’s (Rating – R because of 2-3 ‘racy scenes’). If you select this book, it means your parents would not object to your reading a book written for an adult audience Bring a note when you request it).

The Joy Luck Club- (By Amy Tan) Revealing look inside the Chinese-American culture through the eyes of 4 interesting women and their mothers' stories. The way the generations experience a lack of being able to communicate is vividly explored as the book skips around between the women’s stories. Very powerful stories – sure to keep you interested. Notes allowed on the test for this one. (Setting – present day America and early to mid 1900’s in China)

The Age of Innocence- (By Edith Wharton) A fabulous story of a young man in Victorian Era England who must suddenly choose between the young, sweet woman he's engaged to, and a passionate and mysterious new woman. The story tells of his struggle against the strict manners and social rules of the day. If you liked Sense & Sensibility and Emma, you'll enjoy this. (Setting – 1800’s)

Cat's Cradle- (By Kurt Vonnegut) A weird and funny story about the future. Vonnegut wrote many short chapters in this unusual adventure and social criticism. The narrator is a reporter who is trying to talk to the adult children of the scientist who created the atom bomb. Along the way the narrator meets a gorgeous woman and is offered a position as a king… One of my favorite theories Vonnegut includes is that we all have a “karass”, a group of people who are tied to our lives, and we keep running into them over the years.

The Handmaid’s Tale – (By Margaret Atwood) What would happen in the future if an ultra-conservative group (like the Taliban in Afghanistan) took over the United States? This fascinating story follows one young woman in her adventure within the controlled world as she tries to find a way to escape. (Some disturbing scenes, including some sexual content. Only pick of that is OK with your parents.)

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – The fascinating story is based on Maya Angelou’s childhood (the author). She overcomes being passed from place to place, the abuse of a “step-daddy,” and racism in the South to become an independent and successful person. A gripping story, with a few tough scenes (abuse), and a great ending. (Setting – early 1900’s)

New Additions to the list:

Cold Mountain (written test not multiple choice)

Les Miserable-abridged version (written test not multiple choice)

Secret Life of Bees-multiple choice

All The Light We Cannot See-(written test not multiple choice)